$100 Friday food and fun vouchers to bring people back to the CBD

Vouchers for food and entertainment, free transport zones and a permanent market are all on the table to reinvigorate the city.

It is hoped that Friday vouchers offering $100 discounts on food and entertainment will soon provide a sugar hit to get people back to the CBD, while the government considers ­options to reinvigorate the city long-term.

Proposals like free public transport zones, a permanent 24-hour food market, and subsidising childcare are on the table as a way to breathe new life into the city, after being recommended by a Committee for Sydney report on how to future-proof the CBD.

Enterprise, Investment and Trade Minister Stuart Ayres has announced a $40 million CBD Activation Fund. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone

“The NSW government is working closely with local business, council, community leaders and the people of Sydney to make the Sydney CBD one that works for everyone,” Enterprise, Investment and Trade Minister Stuart Ayres said.

“These recommendations will be considered carefully, and I see this report as a valuable tool as we look to overcome challenges facing our CBD, both pre-pandemic and into the future.”

Mr Ayres spruiked a $40 million CBD Activation Fund as a way to increase the city centre’s attraction to visitors after it was stricken by Covid lockdowns.

He said the government had used the pandemic as an opportunity to cut red tape and allow businesses to expand outdoors.

Shoppers usually cram into the QVB — but not these days. Picture: John Grainger

“Our Alfresco Taskforce in particular has transformed space all across the city for outdoor dining and live performances,” he said.

“Our $100 Sydney CBD ­Friday vouchers will soon only add to this appeal, and bring more  people  back  to   our bars, restaurants and cultural institutions.”

The vouchers will give 500,000 NSW residents four $25 discounts off food and ­entertainment in the city.

No date has yet been ­announced for when they will be rolled out.

An option being considered by Planning Minister Anthony Roberts is to turn ­unused commercial space into affordable living, to boost housing stock and get more people into the city.

Mr Roberts said he had made “access to housing and social housing” a key priority for his department.

“I’m looking at a number of levers that could be pulled to reach that objective,” he said.

Labor’s John Graham would like to see 24-hour shopping in the CBD. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Steven Saphore

Labor’s Night Time Economy spokesman John Graham said that without further government support, music and entertainment ­venues would close, keeping ­people away from the city.

“This week we have lost the Lansdowne and Giant Dwarf,” Mr Graham said.

“They survived the lockouts, but not this. More will go.

“We should back our ­venues and get them through the pandemic. That’s the key to the city bouncing back sooner.”

Mr Graham supported more options for 24-hour shopping to attract people around the clock.

“We want Sydney to be the best city in our region, welcoming visitors 24 hours a day.

“Right now you would be flat out getting a coffee after 4pm.”

Originally published as $100 Friday food and fun vouchers to bring people back to the CBD